UC Davis geneticists crossed a grapevine species from the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico back to Vitis vinifera over four to five generations. Vitis arizonica carries a single dominant gene for resistance to Pierce's disease.
Ojai Winemaker Adam Tolmach planted four of the new varieties on an acre, the same plot of land where Pierce's disease wiped out his grapes in 1995. He just had his first harvest and he says he's impressed.
The UC Davis researchers say interest in new varieties has been lukewarm so far, but they expect the new options to be examined more closely due to climate change.
The three new red varieties are Camminare Noir, Paseante Noir and Errante Noir.
UC Davis reports that Camminare Noir has characteristics of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, the two vinifera grapes used in making the strain.
Paseante Noir is reportedly similar to Zinfandel. That grape, along with Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon were used in the cross breeding.
Errante Noir is said to be most similar to Cabernet Sauvignon and has great blending potential. The variety was created from the Sylvaner grape, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane and Chardonnay.
The two new white grape varieties are Ambulo Blanc and Caminante Blanc.
Ambulo Blanc is similar to Sauvignon Blanc. The variety is a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane and Chardonnay.
Caminante Blanc has characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. It's a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Carignane.
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